Day 143: Amen

The Creed, like the last book of the Bible, ends with the Hebrew word amen. This word frequently concludes prayers in the New Testament. the Church likewise ends her prayers with "Amen." CCC 1061

In today's reading, we come to the final section in Part 1: What We Believe from the Catechism. It gives an "In Brief" summarizing what has been covered over the past few days and an ending the same in the Nicene Creed and the last word of Scripture:  Amen.  I like how the Catechism finishes Part 1 by saying 

Jesus Christ is the "Amen." He is the definitive "Amen" of the Father's love for us. He takes up and completes our "Amen" to the Father. (CCC 1065)

Indeed, or perhaps Amen is better here. 

The Catechism Compendium summarizes this final section of Part 1 as follows:

The Hebrew word “Amen”, which also concludes the last book of Sacred Scripture, some of the prayers of the New Testament, and the liturgical prayers of the Church, expresses our confident and total “yes” to what we professed in the Creed, entrusting ourselves completely to him who is the definitive “Amen” (Revelation 3:14), Christ the Lord. (#217)

I like how the Catechism Companion, Vol II reminds us not to misuse "Amen" because of the importance the word conveys: we are giving our acceptance of "the trustworthiness of [Christ's] teaching, his authority founded on God's truth" (CCC 1063). This is not to be done lightly, that is to say, "Amen" and then live as if Christ's teachings really have no meaning in our lives.

"Amen" is often a word we say without thinking about its true meaning... It is important to contemplate our death and the moment after, envisioning the gaze of God upon us with either joy or sorrow. Praying for the grace of final perseverance and a happy death is essential, trusting in God's faithfulness and seeking his grace. (pp. 50-51)  

Amen, amen.

This is the end of Part 1 of the Catechism. Tomorrow begins Part 2: How We Worship!